Highlights Available as
TouchMix-8 and TouchMix-16,
with either 12 or 20 input
channels, and 4 or 10 aux output
channels, respectively • Simple
and Advanced user modes •
4-band parametric EQ and
dynamics processing on each
channel • includes USB WiFi
adapter for use with iOS remote
control appTarget Market Musicians and
sound reinforcement engineersAnalysis Powerful and lightweight
digital mixers that can also
record WAV files directly to an
external USB drive—no computer
necessary.qsc.com

4.
RolandFA-08
Keyboard workstation$1,799 street

Highlights Features Integra-7
SuperNatural synth and XV-5080
sounds • weighted-action, 88-key,
Ivory Feel-G keyboard • sampler
and effects • guitar/mic and line
inputs • 16-track sequencer •
bounce song tracks as stereo files
to SDHC card • control your
DAW via MIDI over USB • high-resolution
color LCDTarget Market Composers and
performersAnalysis The FA-08’s workflow
is designed to make it easier
than ever to take projects from
beginning to end, while providing
top-notch sounds and pro
features.roland.com

5.
EastWestStephen Wilson’s
Ghostwriter
Sample library$395

Highlights 60GB of drums, basses,
guitar, keyboards, vocals, and
more played by Wilson, Marco
Minnemann, and Laurence
Juber • effects include SSL EQ
and Dynamics Channel Strip,
Transient Shaper, and Stereo Bus
Compressor, as well as Echoplex
EP-1 • Play 4 32- and 64-bit
software includedTarget Market Composers,
particularly in the film, game, and
TV industriesAnalysis A full-featured sample
library with serious personality
and attitude featuring three
of today’s most compelling
performers.soundsonline.com

6.
KorgTriton Taktile 49
USB keyboard controller and
synthesizer$499

Highlights Features 512 programs
from Triton workstation • 49-
note, semi-weighted keyboard •
16 drum-trigger pads • x/y touch
pad • DAW transport controls •
Touch Trigger and Chord Scale
functionality • 8 assignable
sliders, knobs, and switches •
available in a 25-key version for
$349Target Market Keyboardists who
want to record and gig with the
same instrumentAnalysis A reasonably priced,
yet versatile USB controller that
includes a wealth of high-quality
sounds from one of the company’s
high-end workstations.korg.com

Highlights Digital re-creation of
the layered vocal effect, developed
at Abbey Road Studios for use
on the Beatles’ vocals, using two
tape machines to create a variable
delayed sound • the plug-in can
advance or delay the doubled
signal • drive can be added
separately to each of the signals
for tape-saturation effectsTarget Market Musicians and
engineersAnalysis A classic effect that
provides all the modern
conveniences we enjoy from a
DAW plug-in.waves.com

Highlights MIDI USB connectivity
that is iOS compatible • CV and
gate outputs for use with analog
synthesizers • 16 backlit pads and
rotary controls • built-in 16-step
sequencer stores 16 sequences •
transport controls and data wheelTarget Market DJs, beat
producers, and musicians in the
studio or onstageAnalysis This lightweight, desktop
controller can be used with
just about any instrument you
own, whether it’s software- or
hardware-based, using MIDI and
CV/gate signals.arturia.com

Highlights Includes one UniPak
body-pack transmitter and one
receiver • 3 levels of diversity •
works in the 2.4GHz range • 24-bit resolution • each receiver can
be paired with 8 transmitters •
two TRS outputs that can be used
for amp switching or muting one
output • receiver encased in metal
housing • LED and battery displayTarget Market Performing
guitarists and bassistsAnalysis A state-of-the-art
wireless system using a rugged
receiver that you can mount on
your pedalboard.audio-technica.com

11.
ZildjianGen16 Buff Bronze Series
Reduced-volume cymbals$189–$449

Highlights Real metal cymbals
designed for use with Gen16
Direct Source sensors • different
bell profile than the original series
• lack of nickel plating results in a
warmer tone • additional lathing
to lower the fundamental pitchTarget Market Drummers wanting
real cymbals in their acoustic-electric
kitAnalysis This product line
provides the feel of real cymbals,
which can then be electronically
processed to fit any playing
situation, whether onstage or in
the studio.zildjian.com

Highlights Provides digital
resolution up to 24-bit, 96kHz •
works with iOS devices and Mac
computers • onboard input level
control with multicolor LED for
level monitoring • incudes USB
cable, and Lightning and 30-pin
iOS cables • preamp offers 40dB
of gain • metal construction •
made in the U.S.A.Target Market Podcasters,
musicians, and personal studio
ownersAnalysis Designed to provide
a quick and convenient way to
record using an Apogee-designed
mic preamp and converter.apogeedigital.com

Highlights A Yamaha CFX
concert grand piano recorded
in Studio One • 3 discrete
miking perspectives: Classic,
Contemporary, Player, with
independently controllable Close
and Ambient levels • recording
mics used include those from
Schoeps, Neumann, AKG, and
DPA • uses the Aria software
player • supports AU, VST, RTAS,
and AAXTarget Market Composers and
performersAnalysis This library was designed
for professional users but is
priced affordably for personal
studio and onstage use.garritan.com

Highlights The series includes
three 2-way models (10", 12",
and 15"), a 15" 3-way model
(with a 6.5" MF driver), and two
subwoofers (15" and 18" drivers)
• integrated FIR-Drive and
DSP with LCD screen • Class D
amplifiers • Signal Synchronized
Transducers waveguide designTarget Market Professional
musicians and DJs, entertainment
venuesAnalysis EV’s top-of-the-line
loudspeakers, which are designed
to provide optimum power and
allow users to assemble a system
that matches their needs.electrovoice.com

Search Gear

EM Newsletter

Reader Poll

Do you have a custom home studio?

Yes, it was built from scratch.Yes, I treated an existing room.No, my studio gear is in a home office.No, my studio gear is in my bedroom.No, my gear is in another room in my house.No, I work exclusively on a laptop/portable rig.See results without voting »